New Head of Chemistry for King's

King’s College London is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Paula Booth as inaugural Head of Chemistry, with effect from September 2014.

Professor Booth joins King’s from the University of Bristol where she has been Professor of Physical Biochemistry since 2005. Previously she has held academic posts at Imperial College London, Centre d’Etudes de Saclay in France and at the University of Oxford.

Professor Booth is a University Research Theme leader at Bristol. She is active in University management and among other roles she is a member of the governing body, the University Council. She sits on several committees nationwide, including the UK Biochemical Society and various Scientific Advisory and Management Boards.

An academic leader in her discipline, Professor Booth works at the interface of Chemistry and Biology. Her research expertise focuses on new horizons in biological self-assembly and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of natural self-assembly on which biology is reliant. Protein folding is the critical process in which proteins adopt their correct functional shape and Professor Booth has pushed the boundaries significantly by pioneering a new research field in membrane protein folding and devising innovative methodologies. She has just completed a two year Leverhulme Fellowship.

Professor Booth has contributed to several events in public understanding of science and is particularly committed to attracting young women into scientific disciplines.

In addition to her headship Paula becomes Daniell Professor of Chemistry, after John Frederic Daniell, the founding professor of chemistry at King’s (1831-1845).

Professor Booth said: ‘I am delighted to lead King’s Chemistry into a new era. Chemistry has a key role to play in some of the most challenging issues facing modern society. I look forward to seeing King’s in the vanguard of contemporary chemical research through imaginative endeavours across the traditional borders of the subject. Building on an illustrious history of Chemistry at King’s, it is a privilege to be able to shape a vigorous and distinctive new department.’

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Lesley Yellowlees, the first female president of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: ‘Professor Paula Booth’s appointment to the role of Head of Chemistry at King’s College London is excellent news. Her appointment, which comes just two years after the new Department and degree course were launched, heralds a new, exciting phase in the Department’s development.

‘I shall look forward to seeing how the Department progresses as it aims to embrace a cultural change that will encourage younger people, particularly women, to be innovative and successful.’

Professor Michael Luck, Head of the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, said: ‘I am delighted Professor Booth will be joining King's as our inaugural Head of Chemistry. Paula has an exemplary track record in science and her vision and leadership ensures the new Department of Chemistry will take a strong and decisive direction.'